St. John's is a city perched on the edge of nature, surrounded by scenic beauty, dramatic coastlines and wildlife. I decided to grab my picnic blanket and basket and perch myself at some of our top destinations. Join me as I explore our colourful capital city:

On Friday, July 4 we decided at the spur of the moment to catch the 10:30 am ferry to nearby Long Island. Wanda Roberts at the Parkers Bluewater Inn in Triton had suggested we take the side trip to Long Point. “You will love it” she laughed. We hadn’t been there before and the fact that iceberg finder web site showed bergs in and around Long Island clinched it.

After breakfast we decided to head north on Highway 352 from Botwood to see if the icebergs that Jim Stuckless from the Dockside Inn had told us about were still there. We had the most luck in Cottrell’s Cove and there were lots around but most were quite far from shore. If only we had brought our sea kayaks we thought. Next time! Our next destination was another area of the Northeast Coast that we had not visited before. We arrived in Brighton (at the end of Highway 380) in time for lunch.

With a forecast of plus 30 C temperatures we decided to head for the icebergs and so after breakfast in Botwood we drove to Point Leamington enroute to Leading Tickles where we had been told there were lots of icebergs. At Point Leamington we hiked to the top of Rowsell’s Hill which gave great views of the surrounding coastline (trailhead is 21 0616328 E 5464328 N). Allow about 45 – 60 minutes to complete the 3 km (return) hike which starts off easy along Mill River and then climbs steeply up lots of stairs in the last 500 meters or so to the lookout on top of Rowsell’s Hill. Be sure to check out the heritage house and tea room, gazebo and nice water fall at the base of the hiking trail.

A love of the ocean and its natural surroundings led owners (and brothers) Joe and Loyola O'Brien to offer guided tours of the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve aboard their refurbished fishing vessel the Rob and Rand. Operating under the name Bird Island Charters in 1985, they were the first boat-touring company to operate out of Bay Bulls, Newfoundland. Their great service, emphasis on safety, and unique brand of entertainment quickly attracted a growing number of visitors. They soon added two 46-foot passenger vessels, the Atlantic Puffin and Atlantic Whaler, to give visitors an even more comfortable tour. This year marks their 30th anniversary and I was thrilled to join in on the celebrations! Atlantic Puffins, Humpback Whales, seabirds, icebergs, sea stacks, caves and a geyser are just some of the sights you can see during one of their daily boat tours - I couldn't wait to get on the water.

It was one of those perfect summer days: the sun was shining, the birds chirping, and there wasn't a breath of wind. "We're going to Ferryland!" I exclaimed - my partner in crime and photographer was happy to oblige. Founded by Lord Baltimore in 1621, Ferryland is not only one of the most historic communities in Newfoundland, but in all of North America. Not a history buff? That's okay, Ferryland boasts some of the best coastal views in all of Newfoundland.

"There are a million reasons to visit St. John’s – we want YOU to help us narrow it down to the TOP 5!"

We asked our locals to be ambassadors to the rest of the world! What are the very best reasons to visit our colourful city? Is it our food? The fresh ocean air? The people? Here within, five notable choices:

My last two days were busy visiting the Johnson Geo-Centre, the Railway Coastal Museum, The Rooms, meeting with Mark Hiscock from Shanneyganock, twacking, listening to Stan Picket and the Rocket Players, a visit to the Newfoundland and Labrador Craft council...and enjoying my last....iceberg

As I sat in my kayak, gently bobbing in the water, sun warming my face, I almost feel the need to pinch myself – directly in front of me was a massive, sparkling iceberg. “This is amazing!” yells my partner, seated in the back of our tandem boat, and it was. Not many can say they spent their Sunday paddling around two 10,000 year old giants – but Ocean Quest Adventure Resort made it possible.

June in St. John's means icebergs! A sparkling spring parade of 10,000 year-old towering icebergs unfolds every year in a beautiful clutter of pristine white and azure blue. Here within, we give you some notable locations to spot these majestic giants.

I had the honour of being the very first passenger on Iceberg Quest's newest offering - she's fast, she's bold and most of all, it's the most fun I've ever had on the ocean. Introducing a brand new 12 passenger zodiac - buckle your seat belts folks, you've never experience Newfoundland quite like this. If you want to get up close and personal with nature (and I mean close!), there's no better way than aboard this vessel.

I have a confession to make. I’ve lived here my whole life — a place that is filled with icebergs — I’ve never once gone in search of them. And, it’s not like you need to go very far in order to find them. I know. I know. You’re thinking to yourself “Dave, what is wrong with you?” Truth be told, I have a really comfortable couch.

The Outfitters opened their doors at 220 Water Street in 1998 and have grown to become a leader in Newfoundland and Labrador supplying specialty clothing and equipment for self propelled outdoor adventures. But the storefront is just the starting point - this is where they prepare you for your next adventure - and trust me, their commitment to their customers extends far beyond the sales counter. I sat down with Jonathan Simon who's in charge of their Marketing and Communications to talk about the business of adventure in Newfoundland.

Spring is upon us and what better way to enjoy the warmer weather than exploring the hundreds of diverse hiking trails right here in St. John's! Let the fresh sea air rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit and maybe even spot a playful humpback or a sparkling parade of 10,000 year-old towering icebergs. Here within, some notable hikes in the capital.

Have you ever felt the rush before boarding a ship for an adventure into Canada’s North?

The Northern Ranger ferry service links the small, remote communities of Nunatsiavut during the summer months with a 5-day return trip: Happy Valley-Goose Bay to Nain. This return trip affords you a rare opportunity to learn the history and culture of this region and the Labrador Inuit lifestyle. During each community visit you will witness how vibrant traditions and culture resonate within modern communities; all under the backdrop of a wild and majestic sub-arctic Labrador environment that profoundly contrasts with the island of Newfoundland.

A day spent on the water is a quintessential experience when travelling to Newfoundland & Labrador. Set sail from St. John's harbour and witness the world’s largest concentration of humpback whales, 12,000 year old icebergs and elegant seabirds feeding in our coastal waters. Iceberg Quest’s award winning tour has been departing from St. John’s and Twillingate showcasing Newfoundland’s unique charm for over a decade. I sat down down with Captain Barry Rogers for an unforgettable hour as he regaled me with tales of his childhood on the water, the beginnings of Iceberg Quest and a sneak peek of some of their new product offerings for 2014.

Cruise Nunatsiavut in Labrador to experience unique aboriginal culture and breathtaking Arctic scenery. Find yourself in the adventures and mysteries of the Labrador Inuit as you cruise through their homeland.

The Northern Ranger ferry service links the small, remote communities of Nunatsiavut during the summer months with a 5-day return trip: Happy Valley-Goose Bay to Nain. Passengers have a choice of accommodations ranging from a dormitory bunk to a deluxe cabin with ensuite.

The return trip affords you a rare opportunity to learn the history and culture of this region and the Labrador Inuit lifstyle. During each community visit you will witness how vibrant traditions and culture resonate within modern communities; all under the backdrop of a wild and majestic sub-arctic Labrador environment that profoundly contrasts with the island of Newfoundland.